Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine which includes Acupuncture and Chinese herbs is based on the Chinese devised principal of yin and yang. Not only is this theory the basis of Chinese Medicine, it is the driving force in Chinese art, philosophy and culture. According to the theory there is a naturally occurring balance between yin and yang in the universe (yin is the dark, nurturing, receptive, female energy and yang is the light, active, male energy.) This energy which is called qi (chee) operates in the the body according to the same principle of yin and yang. When there is an imbalance of this yin and yang energy or a disruption in the smooth flow of qi the results can be serious. When the imbalance occurs in the atmosphere there can be severe storms, earthquakes, tidal waves and other natural phenomenon. When this imbalance occurs in the body, there can be illness, pain, depression, sadness and disease.

It is the job of the oriental medicine practitioner to find where in the body the imbalances occur and to regulate the flow of the energy to bring the yin and yang back into balance. This is done with the use of Acupuncture needles and Chinese herbs.

ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture?
Who Comes For Acupuncture?
Do the Needles Hurt?
Diagnosis and Treatment
What Happens during a Treatment?
How Many Treatments Do I need?
Responses to treatment

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is one aspect of Oriental Medicine that helps restore the balance of yin and yang with the placement of thin needles at various parts of the body. Early on sharpened stones (early acupuncture implements) were placed on certain locations on the body and a change was noticed at a different part of the body. By continually mapping the point and noting the changes that resulted, the Meridian theory was developed. We now use the meridian theory to help determine the areas through which the qi is not flowing smoothly. By placing needles on certain acupoints along the meridians we can once again help the body restore itself into balance.

WHO COMES FOR ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is meant for everyone. Until recently, acupuncture was thought to be used for pain management only. Although acupuncture is quite effective for the alleviation of pain, that is not the only use for it.

• In the fast paced world in which we live, there are daily opportunities to get out of balance. A simple traffic jam can make some people get their Wood element out of balance in a flash and cause a rise in blood pressure.
• Some are concerned about how many medications they are taking and would like to try to live a more natural balanced life.
• A simple cold brings others to seek acupuncture.
• If you are receiving chemo therapy for a cancer, the symptoms of the chemo can be relieved by acupuncture.
• If you are having infertility problems, maybe acupuncture can help.
• Menstrual problems ca be corrected with acupuncture.
• Arthritis is commonly treated by acupuncture.
• Depression and anxiety are both treatable.
• Migraine headaches can be treated.
• Irritable bowel, difficulty digesting, gas, constipation can all be treated.
• Asthma is effectively treated.
• Quitting smoking can be made easier with acupuncture.
• Digestion can be regulated with acupuncture

The list goes on. For most bio-medical treatable problems, acupuncture can help.

DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
Ordinarily, the patient will feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. Although there might be a slight ache, itching or a little numbness around the area after the needle is in, acupuncture is normally painless. These needles are solid and are about the width of a human hair, unlike the needles used to draw blood or give injections, which are hollow and much thicker.We use sterilized, disposable, single-use only needles.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Diagnosis is performed according to the theory of yin and yang and the 8 Principles of TCM.

Yin or yang imbalance	Is the imbalance primarily a yin or a yang problem?
Interior or exterior	Is the a condition primarily on the exterior (skin, muscles, channels) or interior (internal organs)?
Excess or Deficiency	Is there too little or too much or something (qi, yin, yang , phlegm, blood)?
Hot or cold	Is the imbalance associated with heat or cold symptoms?

Once the pattern has been established a plan of treatment is decided and the treatment is started. There is also the 5 Element theory that is used to diagnose. This is based on the theory that the body has similar characteristics to the elements of nature.

WATER- fluid metabolism and neurological body systems
WOOD-structural growth and repair systems
FIRE-energy of consciousness and circulation-heart energy and relationships.
EARTH- digestive and blood building systems.
METAL-lung, air, inspiration and minerals.
Using either or both of these systems of diagnoses can be made and a treatment plan implemented.

There is another consideration when making a diagnosis. Acupuncture is holistic therapy, so the entire person is taken into consideration. This includes the condition of the mind, body and spirit. There is no differentiation of these in Chinese medicine. If one is affected physically, one has to be affected spiritually and emotionally and vise versa. The diagnosis will be made keeping all these factors in mind.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TREATMENT?
INTERVIEW
When you first arrive, in addition to questions concerning your bodily functions, you will be asked questions about diet, family, hobbies, sleep patterns, energy level and anything else that might help with the diagnosis. As much information as possible that can be gathered from your answers is vitally important. Acupuncturists cannot order blood tests or X-rays, so they rely on your answwers for insight into your condition.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
There is also a physical exam The exam will include taking your pulse, looking at your tongue and examining the abdomen. The meridians will be checked for tenderness and an overall evaluation will be determined. After all the information has been considered a diagnosis will be made.

TREATMENT
Once the diagnosis is made you are ready for your treatment. Please allow 11/2 hours for the first treatment and 1 hour for follow ups. Expect to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and calm when you leave.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
The amount of treatments needed is determined by the seriousness of the ailment, the length of time you have had the ailment, age and overall general health. Most simple problems can be successfully treated in 5-10 visits, coming once a week. Depending on the condition some will have to come twice a week. Remember, it took time to develop the imbalance and it will take time to restore the balance back to where it should be.

RESPONSE TO TREATMENT
Each person is different so the response will be different. Many people notice a general felling of well being in addition to alleviation of chief complaint quite early in the course of treatment. Some effects are more subtle and only noticed in retrospect. Most people fell calmer, revitalized and totally relaxed after the first treatment and improvement in the condition within 3-4 visits.